By Mikee Natinga Norico
Awardees from the College of Business and Accountancy receive their certificates and medals alongside their proud parents and Dr. Lorna T. Grande, Dean of the CPU College of Business and Accountancy, during the 2025 College Honors, Awards, and Recognition Program.
On June 27, Central Philippine University (CPU) honored academic excellence, leadership, and service during the 2025 College Honors, Awards, and Recognition Program held at the University Gym.
The event gathered hundreds of students, parents, faculty members, and guests to recognize the achievements of CPU’s most outstanding students for Academic Year 2024–2025. A total of 461 students graduated with Latin honors, including 11 Summa Cum Laude, 121 Magna Cum Laude, and 329 Cum Laude.
Board topnotchers were also recognized during the ceremony, including those who excelled in the September 2024 Licensure Examination for Teachers and the February 2025 Respiratory Therapist Licensure Examination.
In his opening remarks, University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy extended his warm congratulations to the awardees, parents, and guardians. “This is a time of joy and thanksgiving,” he said. “We highlight the achievements of our students, recognize their hard work and dedication, and honor them for what they have accomplished.”
He reminded the audience of CPU’s commitment to holistic education grounded in Scientia et Fides—knowledge and faith. Citing Jeremiah 29:11–13 and Proverbs 3:5–6, Dr. Dagohoy encouraged the students to pursue their calling with excellence and trust in God’s guidance.
The program began with a processional led by the CPU ROTC Unit, followed by an invocation by Pastor Neva Grace L. Fabila, the singing of the National Anthem and CPU Alma Mater Song conducted by Crista S. Huyong, Coordinator of the Cultural Affairs Office.
This year’s Rotary Award for the Most Outstanding Graduate was presented to Tracy Monique G. Baldevieso of BS in Management Accounting.
The prestigious President Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy Award for Distinguished Leadership and Service was given to Ron Xavier M. Caldito (BSBA FM) and Crisfe P. Vergara (BS Psych). Other major leadership recognitions were also presented, including the Dr. & Mrs. Nelson A. Pomado Leadership Award, the Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA)—which included citations for Writer and Best Advocacy Video—the CBA Dean’s Leadership Award, the CPU Excel Chorale Leadership Award, and the CAS Leadership and Service Award. Additionally, the Political Science and Public Administration Good Governance Leadership Award and the Political Science and Public Administration Program Outstanding Leadership Award were conferred on students who exemplified integrity, public service, and excellence in leadership within their respective programs.
Numerous academic awards and scholarships were also presented, including the Barbara Demavivas Scholarship Awards for Social Work, the Mr. Jose U. Santos and Dr. Carmen Pama-Santos Award, the DOST-SEI Award, and the UNIFAST Academic Excellence Award. These recognitions highlighted the recipients’ outstanding academic performance, dedication to their fields, and potential for future contributions in their respective disciplines.
University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivers his opening remarks, inspiring the attendees with a message on excellence, faith, and purpose at the 2025 College Honors, Awards, and Recognition Program.
Special awards were likewise given, including the CPU Federation of Overseas Alumni Association (CPUFOAA), Inc. Recognition Award; CPU Alumni Association of Southern California (CPUAASC) Recognition Award; 3rd Place, Carl Balita Review Center National Teacher Quiz Bee; Bachelor of Science in Biology Research Publication Award; Most Outstanding Teatro, Sining, Atbp. Member; Outstanding Teatro, Sining, Atbp. Member; Handbell Ringers Cultural Award; Outstanding CPU Symphonic Band Members; Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region VI IWAG Award; The Central Echo Award of Excellence in Campus Journalism; CPU College Red Cross Youth (CRCY) Service Award; Outstanding International Scholarly Publication Award; Outstanding Peer Facilitators Award; 10th International Student Start-Up Conference Future Entrepreneur Award; Captain Ferman James C. Magbanua Memorial Award; CPU ROTC Most Outstanding Cadet Award; CPU ROTC University Service Award; and the CPURAFLU-FFW Cash Incentive Award.
In sports and athletics, the Edwin Caro Laru-an Memorial Sports Award, which honors discipline and Christ-centered athletic excellence, was awarded to Kimberlie A. Fuentes (AB PSPA) and Aira Grace D. Beriales (BS Psychology).
Work students were also recognized through the Paul Mallorca Soqueña Memorial Award for the Most Outstanding Work Student and the God’s Grace Program Perfect Attendance Award.
The program concluded with the awarding of the CPU Loyalty Awards and the official recognition of all Honor Graduates with Latin honors, followed by a thanksgiving and closing prayer led by Pastor Justine Palmes Mije.
The 2025 College Honors, Awards, and Recognition Program once again affirmed CPU’s commitment to producing competent, compassionate, and Christ-centered individuals—ready to make a difference in their fields and communities.